Mr Newman's daughter Nell and Gary married in California in 2005, with a later blessing being held in Gower, after they met through their shared love of surfing.

Sue and Stuart Proctor's son is married to Nell Newman

Mr Newman and his wife Joanne Woodward flew to south Wales to celebrate their marriage in March 2005.

Mr Newman and Ms Woodward stayed at the Fairyhill Hotel, in Gower, where the blessing service was held.

The $40,000 donation - around £20,000 - came from Newman's Own Foundation, the charitable trust set by the star of blockbusters including Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

Mrs Proctor, 62, who lives in Cockett and was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003, said: "I'm chuffed that we've been able to give some money and thanks to the centre and all the staff who work there.

Nell Newman met Gary Irving in California, where he had been living

"They have been fantastic to me and the follow-up treatment has been amazing."

Mike Chare, consultant surgeon at the Breast Cancer Centre, said: "Not only is this a huge financial boost for our service but a significant endorsement of the work of all our staff.

"Mrs Proctor is an extremely friendly and generous person and we thank her very much for all her help in receiving this donation."

Mr Newman set up his food company, Newman's Own, in 1982, from which all profits and royalties are donated for educational and charitable causes.